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Preston Brooks

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U.S. Congressman

The Resume

    (August 5, 1819-January 27, 1857)
    Born in Roseland, South Carolina
    US Representative from South Carolina (1853-57)
    Democrat

Why he might be annoying:

    He was expelled from the University of South Carolina for threatening police officers with a gun.
    He walked with a cane after being shot in the hip during a duel with future Texas Senator Louis Wigfall.
    He responded to an anti-slavery speech by Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner by beating Sumner with his cane (May 22, 1856).
    He continued the beating even after Sumner fell unconscious, stopping only when his cane broke.
    After Massachusetts Congressman Anson Burlingame denounced him as 'the vilest sort of coward,' he challenged Burlingame to a duel.
    After Burlingame accepted (choosing Niagra Falls, Canada, as the site to get around US anti-duelling laws), he backed out, claiming he would be murdered on the way north.

Why he might not be annoying:

    Sumner had insulted Brooks' uncle, Senator Andrew Butler, including mocking Butler's speech impediment, which had been caused by a stroke.
    He resigned from the House, claiming he 'meant no disrespect to the Senate' by his attack.
    His attack on Sumner was praised in the South, with Brooks being returned to his seat by his constituents and getting inundated with gifts of canes from admirers.
    He makes Joe 'You Lie' Wilson look not so bad.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 20 Votes: 55.00% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 19 Votes: 52.63% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 13 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 21 Votes: 52.38% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 17 Votes: 58.82% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 22 Votes: 63.64% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 30 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 50 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 82 Votes: 68.29% Annoying